Latte Money 101

Taxes 101

A clear introduction to income tax and the accounts that change how money is taxed.

10 lessons · about 40 minutes

In this series

Start at the top. Take it one idea at a time.

  1. 01What Is Income Tax?Income tax is tax charged by federal and provincial or territorial governments on taxable income under the rules that apply to you.4 min
  2. 02Taxable IncomeTaxable income is the amount used to apply income tax rates after the tax system includes income and allows applicable deductions.4 min
  3. 03Tax BracketsCanada uses marginal tax brackets, meaning different portions of taxable income are taxed at different rates.4 min
  4. 04Deductions and CreditsA deduction reduces an income amount used in the tax calculation. A credit reduces tax according to the rules of that credit.4 min
  5. 05Registered AccountsRegistered accounts are accounts recognized by tax law that change how contributions, growth or withdrawals are treated. The account is separate from the investment inside it.4 min
  6. 06TFSAA TFSA is a registered account where contributions are not deductible and investment income and withdrawals are generally tax-free. Contribution-room rules still apply.4 min
  7. 07RRSPAn RRSP is a registered retirement savings plan. Deductible contributions can reduce tax now, growth is generally sheltered while inside, and withdrawals are generally taxable later.4 min
  8. 08FHSAAn FHSA is a registered plan for eligible first-time home buyers. Contributions are generally deductible and qualifying home withdrawals can be tax-free.4 min
  9. 09RESPAn RESP is a registered education savings plan for a beneficiary. Contributions are not deductible, and government education incentives and investment earnings have their own rules.4 min
  10. 10Non-Registered AccountsA non-registered investment account does not provide the same tax shelter as registered accounts. Interest, dividends and capital gains can follow different tax rules.4 min

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